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What is Urea Formaldehyde?

Donna Rengi
Donna Rengi

Urea formaldehyde (UF) is a cost-effective thermosetting resin that is widely used in the wood product industry. These resins cure easily and are scratch resistant. They are mainly used in the manufacture of pressed wood products.

In the laboratory, urea formaldehyde resins are prepared by treating urea with formaldehyde in an alkaline or neutral medium to produce dimethylol urea, which then undergoes polycondensation, a chemical process that results in a polymer, when heated in an acidic medium. This resin is primarily used as an adhesive in the medium density fiberboard (MDF) industry because it can be manufactured at very low cost from easily available raw materials. MDF is used for the manufacture of furniture, floor panels, indoor construction materials, and more.

Urea formaldehyde is primarily used as an adhesive in the medium density fiberboard industry.
Urea formaldehyde is primarily used as an adhesive in the medium density fiberboard industry.

The major drawback of this resin is that it hydrolyzes, or decomposes, in extremely humid conditions and at high temperatures, which limits its usage as an outdoor construction material. Further, when pressed wood products made with it are used indoors, there is a noticeable increase in the formaldehyde levels in indoor air. The increased usage of pressed wood products, such as fiberboards, particle boards, and hardwood plywood paneling, within a limited space can be considered a significant reason for deterioration in the indoor air quality (IAQ).

A man working with MDF, which is commonly made with formaldehyde glue.
A man working with MDF, which is commonly made with formaldehyde glue.

Formaldehyde emissions beyond a certain level — above 0.1 parts per million — can have toxic effects on the humans. It can cause breathing difficulties, dizziness, skin irritation, and nausea. An increase in formaldehyde levels in the air may also trigger asthma attacks in asthmatic patients. Some people are also allergic to formaldehyde, which is a confirmed carcinogen.

A face mask and eye protection should be worn when working with MDF, which is commonly made with formaldehyde glue.
A face mask and eye protection should be worn when working with MDF, which is commonly made with formaldehyde glue.

In the past, urea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) was installed in wall cavities of houses for the purpose of energy conservation. Eventually, the possible health risks due to formaldehyde emissions lead to its ban in most countries by 1980. Old houses, especially ones constructed during the 1970s, often still have UFFI installed in them, but the amount of formaldehyde emissions in these houses is considerably lower than that in newer homes. This is mainly due to an increase in the usage of pressed wood products in cabinets, furniture, and other indoor construction materials.

An increase in formaldehyde levels in the air may trigger asthma attacks.
An increase in formaldehyde levels in the air may trigger asthma attacks.

Formaldehyde testing can be carried out in specific laboratories by means of indoor air sampling. Indoor formaldehyde testing kits are also available. The use of pressed wood products containing phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins, which are also known as "exterior-grade" pressed wood products, considerably reduces the emission of formaldehyde. Further, the formaldehyde levels in indoor air can be reduced by using air conditioners and dehumidifiers, and by providing sufficient ventilation to the rooms.

Discussion Comments

anon1004901

The photo of a textured board in this article is of a Masonite like product which does not typically contain Urea Formaldyhyde.

OldGrandma

We are doing a science fair project with fiberglass roofing shingles. Our limited research indicates that fiberglass shingles are bonded with urea-formaldehyde. But that is where our knowledge stops. Can anyone lead us to info regarding what happens to this urea-formaldehyde substance after years of weather and rain break it down. Specifically searching info about what happens when this stuff sits in rain barrels for a few weeks.

anon959489

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Urea Formaldehyde (plastic)?

anon124323

It's made from formaldehyde added to urea solution which produce a polymethylolureas; depending on the ratio at which it is added eg. methyloldiurea if formaldehyde to urea ratio is 1:2.

swampgirl

what is urea formaldehyde made from? thanks to anybody who answers my query

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    • Urea formaldehyde is primarily used as an adhesive in the medium density fiberboard industry.
      By: Voyagerix
      Urea formaldehyde is primarily used as an adhesive in the medium density fiberboard industry.
    • A man working with MDF, which is commonly made with formaldehyde glue.
      A man working with MDF, which is commonly made with formaldehyde glue.
    • A face mask and eye protection should be worn when working with MDF, which is commonly made with formaldehyde glue.
      By: Andrzej Solnica
      A face mask and eye protection should be worn when working with MDF, which is commonly made with formaldehyde glue.
    • An increase in formaldehyde levels in the air may trigger asthma attacks.
      By: Gorilla
      An increase in formaldehyde levels in the air may trigger asthma attacks.
    • Frequent exposure to formaldehyde may cause breathing difficulties.
      By: jovannig
      Frequent exposure to formaldehyde may cause breathing difficulties.